Hal William "Robbie" Robbins

Hal William “Robbie” Robbins, of Grand Junction, Colorado, died at his daughters home in Orem, Utah, on December 29, 2022, 3 days shy of his 75th birthday, due complications of cancer. Hal was born 02 January 1948, the eldest child of William Harris “Bill” and Velma Loraine (Burns) Robbins. Hal grew up in Pleasant Grove, Utah, where he was proud to be a Pleasant Grove Viking and believed he was “tough as nails, strong as bricks” and loved his “Class of 66”! Hal was involved in various sports, including football, wrestling, and track. He played the tuba in the marching band, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and was well liked by all his peers. Hal enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966 and earned the rank of Sergeant working in aviation ordnance. He was stationed in El Toro, California, and served in Viet Nam. He was awarded many awards, honors and commendations during his service. Hal loved his country and was always proud to be a Marine. Semper Fi!

Hal married his eternal sweetheart, Vicki Lou Christofferson, of Lehi, Utah, on 18 April 1969. Following their marriage the couple lived in Santa Ana, California, where they welcomed their first daughter, Kristen Loraine, in 1972. The family moved to Price, Utah, where Hal worked as an account manager for H&J Supply Company. In 1974, they welcomed their second daughter, Angela Jean. Hal was transferred to Grand Junction, Colorado, in 1978, as a branch manager. Hal continued to work as an account manager in the field of Industrial Supply Equipment throughout his career working with Moore Bearing and Purvis Industries. Hal retired in 2014, but after a year, returned to work, as he missed socializing with his coworkers. He retired again after a few years. He loved living in Grand Junction and never wanted to leave the mild weather and great friends and associations he made on the Western Slope.

Hal was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities including youth Sunday school teacher, High Council, Stake Missionary, and as the first Bishop of the Grand Junction 10th Ward. Hal loved working with the youth and supporting them in their various activities including Boy Scouts. Hal served as District Commissioner for the Western Colorado Council of the Boy Scouts of America and was honored to receive the Silver Beaver award for his service in Scouting. The last several years he enjoyed attending “Empty Nesters” and a small gospel study group, where he felt his testimony and love of Jesus Christ grow in a very personal way, something he spoke of prior to his passing. The members of his ward and study group were among some of his dearest friends.

Hal enjoyed camping (even more in his trailer), cooking (especially dutch oven cooking), talking about recipes (in detail), telling stories, Western movies, and shooting guns. Hal was a member (and former president) of the Grand Junction Trap Club. Dad loved his time “on the hill” shooting with his friends and tried to get as many people as possible into shooting trap and skeet. Dad loved the guys at the trap club and enjoyed time swapping stories and spending time. Dad enjoyed collecting guns and reloading his own ammunition. He enjoyed taking trips with his family, especially cruises. He was a natural storyteller who could make friends with anyone. Dad always had a big smile on his face. He was devoted to his family and took seriously his role of big brother and family patriarch, ensuring family reunions happened and our ancestors were remembered.

Hal is survived by his wife, Vicki, of Grand Junction; daughters Kristen (Calvin) Barnum of Orem, Utah; Angela (Jeremy) Burr of West Jordan, Utah; grandson Greydon Harris Barnum of Orem, Utah; siblings Gary Robbins, Karren (ArDean) Paxman, Jay (Lori) Robbins, and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday 06 January, 2023, at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Orchard Mesa Chapel (2949 Highway 50) Grand Junction, Colorado, with a viewing one hour prior. A viewing will also be held Thursday, 05 January at the church from 5-8pm. Burial will be at 2pm at the Lehi City Cemetery, Lehi, Utah, with visiting following the burial.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.callahan-edfast.com for the Robbins family.